Latest Lincoln case of COVID-19 is travel-related

The case, reported late Friday afternoon, is a man in his 30s who had traveled to Colorado March 6 through 8.

Mayor Leirion Gaylor Baird and the Lincoln-Lancaster County Health Department (LLCHD) Saturday announced that the fourth lab-confirmed case of COVID-19 is travel-related.

The case, reported late Friday afternoon, is a man in his 30s who had traveled to Colorado March 6 through 8. He became symptomatic March 12. LLCHD continues to investigate the case but said none of his identified contacts have symptoms at this time.

LLCHD is now monitoring 163 individuals due to their travel history or exposures. Lancaster County reports 215 negative tests and four positive with zero cases pending at the Nebraska Public Health Lab at this time. There are now 103 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Nebraska and two deaths.

Symptoms of COVID-19 include fever, cough, sore throat and shortness of breath or difficulty breathing. Those who experience these symptomsshould self-quarantine and call their health care providers for recommended follow up before visiting. If you need help accessing care, contact the Health Department at 402-441-8006. Do not go to the emergency room unless it is essential.

Those prioritized for testing remain healthcare workers; public safety personnel; residents and employees of nursing homes and group homes; those attending or working at daycares; and people over 60 or those with underlying health conditions.

Those who have no symptoms do not need to contact your health provider to be tested. Do not go to urgent care, the emergency room, or a doctor’s office to get a COVID-19 test. Those test kits and medical personnel must be reserved for individuals in the prioritized categories.

The latest information on local coronavirus response is available COVID19.lincoln.ne.gov and health.lincoln.ne.gov. LLCHD has established a hotline at 402-441-8006 for questions on COVID-19.